Alumnus and Olympic Gold Medalist Justin Best to Address Graduates at Drexel’s University-wide Commencement Ceremony

Alumnus and Olympic Gold Medalist Justin Best to Address Graduates at Drexel's University-wide Commencement Ceremony

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Drexel alumnus Justin Best, Olympic gold medalist, two-time Olympian and investment banker, will address the Class of 2025 at the University-wide commencement ceremony on June 12 at 5 p.m.

"Justin's journey is a powerful reminder of the impact perseverance, passion and vision can have," said Drexel Interim President Denis P. O'Brien. "His story will undoubtedly inspire our graduating class as they embark on their own professional paths and personal journeys. I look forward to celebrating both Justin and our graduating class during this momentous occasion."

A 2019 graduate of the LeBow College of Business and the College of Engineering, Justin Best has represented Team USA as a rower in two Olympic Games. His first appearance came as a member of the men's eight at the pandemic-delayed 2020 Summer Olympics, where the team delivered a strong performance, finishing just shy of the podium in fourth place. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Justin and his teammates achieved a historic victory in the men's four, capturing the first gold medal in men's rowing for Team USA in 64 years.

During his time at Drexel, Justin competed in both the men's four and eight, contributing significantly to the success of the University's rowing program. He played a key role in securing multiple victories, including four team titles at the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta on the Schuylkill River, as well as Drexel's first-ever race title at the Henley Royal Regatta. In his first year as a Dragon, he earned medals at the Murphy Cup and, during his third year, helped the varsity men's four reach the finals at the IRA National Championships. Justin's winning trajectory began early, earning selection to the U23 National Team in both 2018 and 2019, where he competed in the men's eight. In 2018, he and his crew captured the U23 World Championship title, setting a world-best time of 5:22.48 for 2,000 meters - a record that still stands today.

Justin credits his education and experiences at Drexel with giving him the ability to understand both the technology behind his clients' work and the financial strategies that drive their growth. After graduating early, he began his career as a business analyst at the tech company Splunk. For the past three years, Justin has worked in investment banking as an analyst for Union Square Advisors, where he provides guidance on enterprise software to a diverse portfolio of clients that range from technology enabled health care services to developers of solid-state rocket motors.

In recognition of his accomplishments, the University invited Justin to deliver this year's commencement address to the graduating class. More information about Drexel's 2025 Commencement is available at this link.

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